Passage Through Infertility Treatment: A Stage Theory

Abstract

This grounded theory study explored the perceptions of 25 couples as they underwent infertility assessment and treatment. A substantive theory of passage through infertility treatment explains the psychosocial responses of couples to their infertility from prediagnosis to posttreatment. The theory consists of three concepts--engagement, immersion and disengagement. Eight stages were identified within these concepts: experiencing a dawning of awareness, facing a new reality, having hope and determination, intensifying treatment, spiralling down, letting go, quitting and moving out, and shifting the focus.